[dwiles]

I have a basset hound that is going on two years. She has started to develop what are believed to be fatty tumors. A couple of months ago when she was at the vet he checked her then and said it was a fatty tumor. Since then she has started to get 3 more. I plan to take her to the vet this week. I was just wondering as anyone heard of a basset this young developing these tumors. I am worried that it is something else or that she will just keep getting them. Any experiences with this?? Thanks

 

[shallhb]

Pearl is three, and she has one. If your vet is sure they are fatty tumors and you trust his or her judgement, I wouldn't worry too much about them.

 

[Cynthia Swearingen]

My Copper had several--4 or 5. The vet said he was certain that they were the fatty tumors, and said not to worry about them unless a change occurred in them.
Cindy

 

[Barbara Winters]

All of my bassets have had multiple "cysts" and the first appeared around the age of 2.
I'd recommend having the lump removed or at least having your vet do a FNA (fine needle aspirate.) I doubt even a pathologist would say a cyst was definitely a lipoma without looking at the cells with a microscope. Right Betsy?

A growth that looks ordinary can turn out to be a mast cell tumor. Sometimes pictures speak louder than words.

All the references I've read point out that you can't tell a mast cell tumor by just looking at it:

Evaluation of Superficial Masses: Diagnostic and Treatment Considerations

The subcutaneous form of mast cell tumors in the dog can be problematic as they often feel like a lipoma but should be aspirated to rule out the possibility of a mast cell tumor.

Approach to Therapy for Canine Mast Cell Tumor

Canine MCT have been referred to as “the great pretender”, because they can look and feel like anything.

Mast Cell Tumors

The second skin form of the disease is less common. This is a soft, poorly-formed lesion that usually has hair on it. It does not look ulcerated or reddened and it can be mistaken for a lipoma.

MAST CELL TUMORS IN DOGS

Mast cell tumors do not have a specific appearance. However, they are fairly easily detected by a "needle aspirate and cytology." Insertion of a small needle into the tumor (virtually painless) area is followed by examination of the cells under a microscope.

Keep us posted on your hound's lumps.

[ November 08, 2004, 12:57 AM: Message edited by: Barbara Winters ]

 

[Cynthia Swearingen]

EEEEK! Thanks for the info, Barbara. If I ever see another lump, I will insist on it being aspirated. That's scary!
Cindy